Communication

Today our nation witnessed the importance of good communication. Last night, word was spread that the 13 miners trapped underground were alive. The families began celebrating and church bells were ringing in celebration of prayers answered. Three hours later, the chears and smiles came to a screaching halt as the loved ones were told that all but one of the miners were confirmed dead. I couldn't begin to imagine how the families must have felt. It's beyond describing it as a "rollercoaster of emotions".

One person thought they heard something that was never said...and then repeated it.

Poor communication has been the root of a lot of broken hearts. From marriages and families, to close friends and co-workers; the lack of communication has caused some hard and unnecessary feelings.

My wife and I attended a Gary Smalley Marriage Conference a few years back. One of the sessions was on "communication". The way they taught it was actually pretty funny.

Most of us have ordered food at a drive-thru restaurant. The process of ordering food is the same process we use when it comes to good communication.

1. State what it is you want or need.
2. The person listening then confirms what they heard you say by repeating it back to you. "This is what I heard you say".
3. You then say, "yes that is correct", or "no, this is what I said".
4. You restate your order.
5. The person listening repeats back what they heard until you confirm they understand it.

Bingo...another happy customer.

It takes great patience and listening skills for good communication to occur, but in the end it is worth the effort.

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) 13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.